Syllabus 2015-2016
Instructor: Daniel Germain- “Magister”
Classroom: A7
Email: daniel.germain@ocps.net
Phone: 321-235-7800 Ext: 6144637
Website: http://teacherpress.ocps.net/magister
Students are expected to check the website regularly, especially if absent from class for
any reason. I will do my best to post homework assignments, activities, and notes from class on a
regular basis.
Office Hours (Time for extra help): There are many times that I am able to give extra help, but
it often works best if you let me know when you want to come in so that I can be in my
classroom. I am usually busy before school so appointments are necessary. I have A-Lunch and
am willing to help most days, but I no longer have a planning. I help with several clubs and I
don’t know which days they are meeting this year but I am usually on campus until 3:30, at least,
to help students after school. As club meeting dates are announced, I will update the Office
Hours. Latin is a difficult subject and there is no shame in getting extra help when needed.
Course Description
Throughout the year we will be exploring both the language and the culture of the ancient
Romans and how both have influenced the world of today. We will be using some Latin
expressions in class throughout the year but most of the work will be translation of Latin
sentences and some English to Latin translations.
Course Expectations
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There will be homework almost every night!
Instructor assigned homework including translation and composition of
sentences/paragraphs. Students should be prepared to go over this homework in class
during each session.
Independently scheduled homework including vocabulary memorization and the study of
grammatical concepts.
Reading, activities, discussions and projects about the culture of the Romans.
Quizzes and tests demonstrating the knowledge and understanding of vocabulary,
grammar, and translation.
A cumulative exam per semester that covers everything from the course.
Do everything superhumanly possible not to fall behind!
Class Supplies
There are two required texts for the class which students are encouraged to purchase for use
through their Latin careers: Wheelock’s Latin, and 38 Latin Stories. Check out the following link
for a list of supplies including these two books: http://amzn.com/sl/1E2NZ14Y63TEJ
Or see the list of class supplies posted on the class website.
Grading
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Homework and Classwork
Quizzes
Tests
Projects
25%
20%
35%
20%
= 100%
The minimum passing grade on all tests is 80%. This means that a score under 80% will be
marked in my grade book as “missing” until the student can successfully pass the test. Retakes
will be given until the test is passed. I find this to be a necessary practice in Latin because so
many concepts build upon each other and this helps all students keep up. The added benefit as a
student is that all of your test grades (which make up 35% of the total) will be above an 80%.
(Note: If this policy is abused by any student, i.e. a student stops putting effort into passing a test
on the first try, the retake privilege may be removed from that student on future tests.)
Late Work
In the event of an excused absence all work can be made up for full credit, though it can be
difficult to catch up, so checking the website regularly is ideal. Normally, students will
complete work at home and then bring it to class the next day for us to go over as a group. The
grade for the homework will be divided between the at-home work and the corrections done in
class. Students who do not finish the at-home portion will not be given full credit, but may turn it
in up to the chapter test.
Cheating/Plagiarism
Cheating means not doing your own work. Plagiarism is taking credit for someone else’s work.
In a college level course, cheating on ANY assignment is means for a failing grade in the class
and, in many cases, expulsion from the school. I take cheating seriously in every case. Copied
homework assignments will be given an immediate 0 with no chance to make up the work, this
includes using translation websites (which don’t work). Papers/projects that include plagiarism
will be given a 0 and an after school meeting will be required to discuss further discipline.
I give all needed information before a test on a study sheet: THERE SHOULD BE NO REASON
YOU NEED TO CHEAT ON MY TESTS! I even offer retakes if you do poorly… If you are
caught cheating that test will be thrown away and you will be required to take a much more
difficult exam on the same concepts outside of class time.